1. Generating Ideas (P1:U21, M1:U21)

Generating Ideas

Learning outcome (U21): Be able to generate ideas for an original media product based on a client brief.

For my music magazine it is clear that there are some points that we must follow. These are making sure that our content is original, the magazine must be able to be produced online and in paper form based on the music scene in North London. For the pitch will we have to present and show case an early draft for the first edition of the magazine, show casing a front cover and a double page spread. It would help with the pitch if we are able to show how our ideas have developed and changed as we have moved forward with the project showcasing pictures and written notes as evidence of progression and research around the topic.

Requirements:

• Music magazine specifically for North London (Explicit)
• Front page and double spread (Explicit)
• Showcase talent and venue for North London (Implicit)
• Produce Original content (Explicit)
• Magazine based on music (Open)

With all this in mind, I believe to make the best possible pitch I will have to take a look at some music magazines already being published so I can look at what works and what doesn’t work. My magazine will also require research into the North London music scene, such as the festivals/concerts going on. The genre of the magazine will depend on research into what is up and coming in North London or where there is a gap in the market which could be turned into a success.

Idea 1

My first idea that would slip into the market as there is limited magazines that show case all the festivals and concerts all in one magazine for the reader to have it their disposal could have a potential to be successful as it would make it easier for the reader to have all the information in one place instead of them having to look around constantly.

This magazine could be split into different sections with 3-4 different genres of music depending on what is going on at the time. For example, it would show case the pop/rap culture with features on festivals such as wireless. But at the same time it could have a classical music section for the more contemporary reader.

The target audience for this type of magazine would be more general for all within a certain age gap. As it would be promoting festivals it could not have a closed audience as it would be very hard to create a whole magazine based on promoting only one genre of music festivals.

Strengths

Weaknesses

·       Different sections would make it easier to navigate the magazine ·       It would create a wider target audience offering more interest with the magazine. ·       Brief states that there needs to be an online version of the product, this could be update weekly if there are things to change. This would mean the promotion of the website would be high and you could charge a subscription for the website. ·       Save money on printing, it could allow you to spend more time making sure that the magazine is of the highest quality. ·       Gap in the market ·       Could easily be developed to different areas of London

·       More likely to be a quarterly print, could mean less income on the print out magazine ·       Would not be a live photo of the event as it would be released before the event takes place ·       Harder to create interest as each event promotes themselves well and can find most information online. ·       Might become a bit repetitive

Idea 2

Another idea that could be created is focusing on just one certain popular genre of music within the North London scene. The first genre I could focus on is grime, with it breaking through to the major charts and becoming extremely popular in 2016 it is still heavily listened to still now. There is also a strong presence within north London with the grime scene, as two of the biggest stars JME and Skepta both originate from North London. This could be a good start to kick off the magazine as it would help to show case British talent and would potentially gain interest as you could feel inspired. 

This target would be more specific, a range of age, but there would be a very specific type of people I would aim to target as the music genre is more niche. This would allow me to make the magazine in a specific way to suit and appeal to the reader.

Strengths	Weaknesses
·       Could be a regular magazine ·       Very British genre of music, would work well for a North London magazine ·       Could feature bigger stars as well as up and coming artists ·       Possibility for website to be successfully, creating more income (subscription) ·       Grime already has a strong online identity – so online version is likely to prove popular	·       More targeted audience, potentially reduce profitability ·       More money on printing as more editions would be made regularly to keep people up to date ·       Since grime got big a lot of coverage on the genre, creates competition.

Idea 3

Another genre of music I could create my magazine on is Rock. As Rock started to develop in the 1960s in Britain it is another British genre that still has a popular following. There are various famous artists and new upcoming artists that you would be able to follow and write about. This genre of music could offer a more mature magazine that appeals to both younger and older reader. There are many Pubs and open mic nights in North London making it easier to promote and gain exclusive interviews for.

Similar to the Grime idea, this target audience would be more targeted, however, as there are different forms of rock, the magazine could either be very specifically targeted or it could be more general to get a better chance of being successful.

Strengths	Weaknesses
·       British genre of music that is still very popular ·       Easier to gain interests ·       Could offer guitar lessons/songs to play (USP) ·       Live mic nights – easier to get an interview ·       Easy to access gigs to review	·       Targeted audience a less mainstream ·       Quarterly issues potential reduced profitability ·       Lots of rock magazines already (shows there’s a market for it) but also creates lots of competition. ·       Could cost a lot to keep going to gigs to review them – unless free tickets can be obtained

I have chosen to create and develop a Grime based magazine as I believe it will offer the greatest chance of success and profitability within North London, as well as this, if it proves to be successful it has a great scope for expansion. By following the breif it will give me the best chance of the magazine being a success as I should have full backing from the company if they like the idea. As well as this, the idea is able to easily fit in with the breif as it can be developed and changed. I can make sure I am following the brief by making sure that all the content I produce is orginal aswell and I can easily showcase new and already established Grime artists in the magazine.